I recently went from a small one partner firm to a larger mid-size firm with 4 partners. I want to make a good impression and make sure they know im available to work so Ive been saying yes to all of their assignments. Now im at the point where im overwhelmed and i feel like in order to keep up with the deadlines and demands my work product quality is suffering. I dont want them to think im incompetent or lazy but I dont want to shut partners out when ive only been here a month. Any suggestions?

likefunny
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

It’s great that you’re eager to make a good impression, but it sounds like you’re juggling too much. I’d recommend being honest and transparent with the partners, let them know you’re excited to contribute but that you’re feeling a bit stretched. Most will appreciate your commitment and work with you to manage the workload better.

like

You are still at a very small firm. Midsize is not four partners.

like

The firm is bigger those are just the ones in my practice group.

Ask for concrete deadlines for each task so you can prioritize correctly.

like

The speech I give to all my associates:
You don’t say no and you don’t try to decide whose work you’ll do or won’t do. That is up to [the partners]. You ask when it’s needed, then knowing what you already have on your plate, you say “I’d love to help with that, but Partner A gave me X assignment, and I have Y assignment from Partner B.” You can leave it there, or ask for help prioritizing. As between the partners, if Partner C really needs you for assignment Z, then they can go negotiate with A and B on those deadlines.

I've made a running list, either in email or a Sharepoint-like site that has my to-do list and who it's for. My secretary and the partners I work with most regularly get the list so they can see it.

Related Posts

If you're in need of a junior writer with cojones hit me up!

like

When non-ad ppl ask you what do you do? In terms of title; do you tell them “copywriter”? Or immediately assume they dont know and might confuse it with copyright infringement, and just end up telling them that you’re a writer or a creative director, and skip the hassle

like

Hi all I am looking for a referrals to apply for a position of data scientist with 3 years of experience.

like

Anyone knows how chase sapphire travel insurance works? I used the first leg of the trip but cannot return due to an illness. It is cheaper for me to cancel the return leg and buy and new one way.

Hey fishes, what is the in hand salary in PWC India for 9lpa fixed salary?

like

Best GMAT study plan?

like

What date does your bonus hit your bank account? State firm and overall division.

like

Hi folks, looking to move to Miami in Coral Gables, near Giralda Plaza but i'm afraid of the noise coming from the street since im wfh. Any feedback on It? Is the street really busy?

Whats the median expected salary for an MBA grad in Miami? Considering taking an MBA but wanting to know if Miami pays well for it.
Or else, any tips on how to break the $100k mark salary in this city?

like

New to Miami and need to find a new psychiatrist. Could you recommend someone? Thank you so much!

like

Have 50k in brokerage to put towards buying a place in Atlanta. Young 20 something who's lease is ending soon

Roth IRA and 401k are well funded but don't want to pull from there.

Should I buy and rent the extra bedrooms to friends, or stay renting and put savings in stock market?

like

trying to wake up every morning and give thanks for the good in my life. I spent so much of the past few years focused on all that was wrong or didn’t go according to my plan. thankful

likeuplifting

Does anyone have experience travelling in or out of Heathrow over the last month? Got a trip booked and wondering what the border restrictions are like/ what documentation is needed for showing reason for travel (if any)

like

Do people think working remotely will remove some gender bias in the work place? Or impact people’s perceptions of women colleagues?

like

How to be good at Sales and have a charismatic personality?
Any words of wisdom? Any great books to read? Any other recommendations?

like

I used to work from home. I got a new job that requires me to go into the office. I love the job and the people I work with. There’s great energy and opportunities. But, the drive to the new job takes over an hour, and traffic is nuts. What are some tricks or tips to keep your sanity when driving to work? I hate traffic and it feels like such a waste of time. I listen to lots of podcasts, but I’m starting to get very bored of them. What do you all do?

like

Whats the salary for a senior compliance officer in miami at an investment firm?

like

What would be a competitive earning for a Director of Sales at a SaaS company in Israel?

like

Anyone having 2-3yrs of experience recently joined Accenture as an application development senior analyst?

like
like

Additional Posts in Law

How many billable hours per week is considered at capacity? I’m getting pushback on boundaries I’m setting about additional matters and marketing work from my firm when I’ve been billing 60-75 hours per week for the last 6 weeks, and I’m still behind on my work. I feel like it’s reasonable to not kill myself further to fit in more/turn things around faster at this point, but am I being unreasonable? I expect my workload to remain at this level through the end of the year at least.

like

I am legitimately worried that Trump might take the country down or start a civil war. This is legitimately weighing on me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

likefunny

I'm a long time prosecutor getting into the ID game and billable hours. Are there any resources out there that can help me get more effective/efficient without spending months/years learning the hard way? Some days I'm at the office 10 hours, took virtually no breaks and yet only bill 7. 🤬

like

Feel like I just bombed my first arbitration. Partner was sitting in and then called me after to provide feedback 👻Please give me your first arb horror story to validate my feelings. Thx

like

I’m a defense attorney looking to make the switch to the plaintiff side. I’m in Los Angeles and I’m wondering what a reasonable compensation package would be. What percentage should I be making off of the cases?

like

Has anyone taking ADHD medication been able to secure life insurance? Am particularly interested in knowing of any company that provides Accelerated Approval under these circumstances.

like

7 year lawyer here. Been with the same big national firm all 7 years (not BigLaw) doing complex litigation. Been working remote a long time due to moving around for wife’s job. As a result of the moving was bumped off partner track. I’m looking at a great small firm that will be a practice change (but still litigation). I’m told they’re looking for someone with less experience and they’re skeptical because of my experience. It’s frustrating. How do I overcome this?

like

Is there anyway to tell if your work product isn’t measuring up? Would the partner straight up tell you that your work sucks? This is me running on the assumption that some comments are normal...

like

Struggling with this whole work life balance thing. Is it possible to have a semblance of a life/hobbies? If so, how? Most of my socializing is honestly in the microcosm of the firm (drink nights etc)

like

How long does it typically take you to draft discovery responses? I feel like I’ve been at this way too long...

like

If you could ask for anything at your firm what would you ask for? (Something realistic but a stretch)

likehelpful

Rising 2L here…Just found out yesterday that one of my top target law firms is not participating in OCIs (they don’t have offices in my state). Any advice on the best way to move forward with them? Still planning to apply, just want to know what I should be doing. Thanks!

like

Do you think remote interviewing will continue after the pandemic? It’s made interviewing so much more convenient.

like

Anyone work for Rivkin Radler? How is the pay/WLB?

like

I had a zoom interview with three partners last Thursday. I thought it went super well, but haven't heard anything yet. Should I follow up with the in-firm recruiter, if so, when? This is for a position in a highly ranked but regional (mountain state) firm. Thanks!

like

Gripe in here about Legal Assistants (more in comments)

likehelpful

“We know times are really tough and stressful right now. Here’s an extra 4 points.” Wow thanks bar examiners, very cool! 🙄

Post Photo
like

Lawyers who have gone in-house to work for a client - how does that conversation start? Who approaches whom?

like

I am concerned with fulfilling billable hours requirement. I’m required to hit 2100 hours yearly and I’m at ~1,500 hours and I think I’ll hit 150-180hours this month. What will happen if I don’t hit my targeted amount by the end of my year.

likehelpful

What is everyone’s: (1) billable hours this year; (2) practice group; (3) year; and (4) size of law firm?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal